Washington Nationals News: Nats sign first-round pick Dane Dunning
By Pablo Roa
Today’s District Daily features stories on the Washington Nationals signing first-round pick Dane Dunning and an update on Stephen Strasburg.
Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
In today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes discusses the Nationals’ most recent draft pick signing. As Janes writes in her article below, the Nationals came to terms with right-hander Dane Dunning to a $2 million deal.
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The Nationals selected Dunning with their second first round pick — the No. 29 pick overall — from the University of Florida.
Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Jamal Collier has an update on injured right-hander Stephen Strasburg and whether or not he will pitch on Sunday. As Collier notes, Strasburg threw a bullpen session and took batting practice prior to today’s game against the Reds.
The Nationals could activate him this week, but the team doesn’t want to rush him back. In any case, the Nationals have top-prospect Lucas Giolito in line to make his second career start on Sunday, if Strasburg is unavailable.
Here’s what Baker had to say about Strasburg, via Collier’s article:
"“I’m more inclined not to rush him,” Baker said. “He’s still got to get his endurance up, still got to run, he still has to do a ‘pen; you just don’t go back out there and haven’t pitched in a while. I’m not in a hurry personally.”"
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
Nationals sign first-round pick Dane Dunning to $2 million deal
(Chelsea Janes, Washington Post)
The Nationals have agreed to a deal with 29th overall draft pick Dane Dunning, according to a person familiar with the situation. Dunning was Washington’s second first-round selection and only player it chose in the first 10 rounds who was not yet under contract. Dunning’s Florida Gators ended their season in the College World Series last week, and as he suggested he would after being drafted, Dunning signed quickly.
The 29th pick carried a slot value of $2,034,600. Dunning’s deal is worth $2,000,000, according to the source. The Nationals gave the same amount to 28th overall choice Carter Kieboom — a high school shortstop — when they signed him in the days after the draft. Read full article here.
Stras or Giolito to start for Nats on Sunday
WASHINGTON — The Nationals have officially listed Sunday’s starter against the Reds as TBA, as they try to determine whether Stephen Strasburg will be ready to come off the disabled list or if they will turn to Lucas Giolito for his second career start.
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Strasburg, who has been sidelined with an upper back strain, threw a bullpen session and took batting practice prior to Thursday’s game against the Reds. His stint on the DL is retroactive to June 16, so Strasburg could be activated as early as Friday, although the Nationals seem unlikely to rush him back. Read full article here.